If You’ll Have Me

Missed connections and miscommunication abound in this rich and engaging debut graphic novel by Eunnie. Queer college student Momo, who reads as Black, is a wallflower who cares too much about what other people think of her; this awareness stems from incidents in her childhood during which crushes took her kindness for granted. Meanwhile, acquaintance and classmate PG, who cues as Southeast Asian, is a notorious and cavalier flirt. When a string of chance encounters between the two develops into earnest friendship, and potentially something more, Momo—who is convinced she’s reading too deeply into PG’s friendly overtures—worries that she’s falling into patterns from her youth. But when her attempts to curb her growing feelings start pushing PG away, Momo must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love. Eunnie’s lively, expressive style expertly combines classic shoujo manga flair with visually poppy cartoon elements, depicted in saturated jewel tones, that amplify key moments and the work’s dreamy ambiance. Distinctly designed characters portrayed with varying body types and skin tones, and boasting amicable personalities, bring PG and Momo’s college campus to life, cultivating a rollicking environment in which the girls’ relationship blossoms. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review misstated a previous title from the book's creator.